| Getting Ready for Your Trip Overseas | | | | there are problems in one part of a country doesn't |
| The government can move slowly so apply early for | | | | mean that the entire country has problems. |
| your passport and, if necessary, any visas: Passports | | | | Make sure that you register your trip with the State |
| are required to enter and/or depart most countries | | | | Department online - it will take about 10 minutes at |
| around the world. It is your responsibility to check | | | | travel.state.gov. Find out the location of the nearest |
| the entry requirements for any country that you | | | | U.S. embassy or consulate. You can also register upon |
| visit. Apply for a passport as soon as possible. Some | | | | arrival directly at the embassy but this will take much |
| countries also require U.S. citizens to obtain visas | | | | longer. If you are traveling to a remote area or one |
| before entering. Most countries require visitors who | | | | that is experiencing civil unrest, find out the location |
| are planning to study or work abroad to obtain visas | | | | of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. If your |
| before entering. Check with the embassy of the | | | | family needs to reach you because of an emergency, |
| foreign country that you are planning to visit for | | | | they can pass a message to you through the Office |
| up-to-date visa and other entry requirements. Don't | | | | of Overseas Citizens Services at 202-647-5225. This |
| get caught overstaying your visa. Check the renewal | | | | office will contact the embassy or consulate in the |
| requirements prior to departure and periodically for | | | | country where you are traveling and pass a message |
| any changes. | | | | from your family to you. Remember consular officers |
| Do your homework before you depart. Learn about | | | | cannot cash checks, lend money or serve as your |
| the countries that you plan to visit. With the advent | | | | attorney. They can, however, if the need arises, |
| of the Internet, this is extremely easy. Just do | | | | assist you in obtaining emergency funds from your |
| search and go to legitimate pages for straight | | | | family, help you find an attorney, help you find |
| information. Before departing, take the time to do | | | | medical assistance, and replace your lost or stolen |
| some research about the people and their culture, | | | | passport. |
| and any problems that the country is experiencing | | | | If you plan on teaching overseas, find out what |
| that may affect your travel plans. The Department | | | | information your home school offers. Find out |
| of State publishes Background Notes on about 170 | | | | whether your school offers additional information for |
| countries. These brief, factual pamphlets contain | | | | students who are planning to study, travel, or work |
| information on each country's culture, history, | | | | abroad. Many student advisors can provide you with |
| geography, economy, government, and current | | | | information about studying or working abroad. They |
| political situation. | | | | may also be able to provide you with information on |
| While you are visiting the embassy web site make | | | | any travel benefits for students (e.g. how to save |
| sure to read the Consular Information Sheet. Consular | | | | money on transportation and accommodations, and |
| Information Sheets provide up-to-date travel | | | | other resources.) You can also find a lot of |
| information on any country in the world that you plan | | | | information online about scams and rip-offs. Do your |
| to visit. They cover topics such as entry regulations, | | | | due diligence. |
| the crime and security situation, drug penalties, road | | | | Find out about the organization and what it offers |
| conditions, and the location of the U.S. embassy, | | | | before committing yourself or your finances,. The |
| consulates, and consular agencies. You can also see if | | | | majority of private programs for vacation, study or |
| there are any online forums for the area you will be | | | | work abroad are reputable and financially sound. |
| visiting. Remember that forums may or may not | | | | However, some charge exorbitant fees, use |
| provide accurate information. | | | | deliberately false "educational" claims, and provide |
| Watch the news and check online for any updates. | | | | working conditions far different from those |
| Ensure that your check for Travel Warnings and | | | | advertised. Even programs of legitimate organizations |
| Public Announcements. Travel Warnings recommend | | | | can be poorly administered. |
| U.S. citizens defer travel to a country because of | | | | Become familiar with the basic laws and customs of |
| dangerous conditions. Public Announcements provide | | | | the country you plan to visit before you travel. |
| fast-breaking information about relatively short-term | | | | Remember: Reckless behavior while in another |
| conditions that may pose risks to the security of | | | | country can do more than ruin your vacation; it can |
| travelers. The State Department tends to err on the | | | | land you in a foreign jail or worse! To have a safe |
| side of caution. Remember, too, that just because | | | | trip, avoid risky behavior and plan ahead. |